[Nfb-krafters-korner] seed beads all that you've beenwantingtoknow and more

[Ericka Short]

What are seed beads?  Are they something you make necklaces and bracelets 
out of?  Are we doing any ceramics or clay type classes? Just curious.  I 
still don't have a good concept of all the crafts this group does.  I liked 
the snowy candle holder craft.  That is more of the kind of things I've done 
in the past.  That was years ago though.  I have added the simple directions 
here below.   We had a craft class one time at church and that is where I 
learned to do this simple project.  I made a fall themed decorative plate. 
The fabric has colored leaves on a tan background. It is really pretty. 
Made them with different fabric for family members and they loved them.  You 
could make a matching set with turkeys or pilgrims for thanksgiving!  It 
would certainly brighten up conversation.


Fabric decorated plate
You can do this technique on cups, bowls, platters etc.  Just make certain 
it is a CLEAR item  with no colored designs and glass.  If you are doing 
this to jars or goblets, pitcher, etc., put the fabric on Patterned Side Out 
so the colors show.  For dishes holding liquid, the inside doesn't matter so 
much as the outside and is easier to adhere to the outside, seal, etc.. 
This will make more sense as you read the directions.

Required:  1 clear glass plate, patterned fabric of your choice cut a little 
wider than the  plate. a bottle of Modge Podge, sponge brush to apply. steel 
wool

1.  You can buy clear glass plates at dollar tree.  Wash well and let 
completely dry.
2.  Turn your plate upside-down and  trace the rim of the  plate.  Cut out. 
This should be a little larger than your plate so it will adhere well to the 
bottom of the plate later.  You will see why!  I used a fall colored leaves 
pattern with a  tan background for mine.
3.  On a level, protected surface turn your plate with the eating side down. 
Place a thin layers of Modge Podge over the entire bottom.
4.  Immediately place the material, patterned side down over the plate 
bottom.  Smooth wrinkles so it adheres flat and snug on the plate.  Let dry.
5.  Now we will seal the fabric in place.  This also waterproofs the 
project.  When completely dry, smear a thick layer of Modge Podge over the 
entire bottom over the fabric. Don't worry about your technique; just make 
sure no fabric is missed.   Let dry.  Modge Podge dries clear.  Clean up 
your mess while it dries.
6.  Grab that steel wool ball and scrub down the layer of Modge Podge.  This 
will take out the bumps and make the surface shiny as a bald guy's head. 
For those with sight you should be able to see the pattern if you flip the 
plate over and look at the eating side.  On the bottom you will just see the 
backside of the fabric.
8.  Add another layer of Modge Podge to the shiny bottom and let dry.  Make 
sure you cover the entire surface to seal well.
8.  Scrub with Steel wool again when thoroughly dry.  Slather your last 
layer of Modge Podge and let completely dry.
9.  Now it's almost done!  Scrub with the steel wool until shiny surface. 
Wipe down anything on the front and then package for that Christmas gift for 
the kid's teacher or add a candle jar to the middle and use as a 
centerpiece.

  Ericka J. Short
262-697-0510

"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me". Philipians 4:13

"No hand is too small or too big to do good in this world." EJ. Short